About this role
At DHL, people mean the world to us. That’s why our goal has always been to attract and retain the best talent the world over. We provide challenge and opportunity for personal and professional development. We recognize the difference you bring to our business, and together we share the pride of building THE logistics company for the world.
Customer Solutions & Innovation (CSI) is DHL's cross-divisional commercial and innovation unit. We are responsible for managing about 100 of DHL's largest and most strategically important customers providing them with sector expertise, best in class account management and most innovative products & solutions. Discover the unique, international spirit of DHL where your commitment is recognized and rewarded.
CSI Sector / Function: Innovation Center, Innovation Trend Radar Contract Type: Permanent Employment Type: Full-time Work Mode: Hybrid Location: Singapore, Innovation Center Recruiting Contact: CSI Recruiting Team [email protected] We accept applications until: 30 September 2026
Senior Innovation Manager As a Senior Innovation Manager, you will join the Innovation % Trend Research team at DHL CSI, with Innovation Center locations in Cologne, Singapore, Chicago and Dubai. You will work with the DHL divisions, customers, startups, and technology partners to explore, develop and implement innovations that will shape the future of the logistics industry. You will lead a team of innovation managers at our DHL Innovation Center in Singapore.
Principal Accountabilities (Senior Manager) Research: Apply your unique creative skills to lead thought leadership initiatives including the publication of industry-leading trend reports (e.g. the DHL Logistics Trend Radar™) supporting DHL's innovation programs, and exhibit showcases at the DHL Innovation Centers. This will require working in close coordination with our global innovation teams in Germany, Chicago, Dubai, and Singapore. Define research strategy and review team outputs to deliver thought leadership content (e.g. delivered articles and technology stack overviews) to strengthen DHL's innovation positioning.
Thought leadership: Leverage your creativity to drive thought leadership initiatives including publication of industry-leading trend reports, external innovation challenges, and scouting high-potential startups. Actively own one or more innovation topics or trends and become an advisor to the DHL Group and customers. Actively partner with the DHL Innovation Center Head and Innovation Marketing Lead to strategize and execute innovation thought leadership pieces, including articles and videos. Plan and execute regional internal engagements that increase awareness and promote business-unit use of the DHL Logistics Trend Radar™.
Engagements: Serve as an innovation subject matter expert, independently representing DHL at key customer engagements, DHL Innovation Center engagements and customer meetings, and external events such as trade shows and conferences through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and other platforms. Support DHL customer and account managers and Innovation Center Innovation Engagement Managers in curating innovation content that adds value for customers and positions DHL as a strategic business partner. Become the go-to person in the region for the DHL innovation ecosystem.
Projects: Hunt for, initiate, and manage a portfolio of impactful innovation and research projects that accelerate DHL's digitalization agenda and strengthen relationships with key customers and partners. This includes operational proof-of-concept and pilot projects leveraging robotics, IoT, artificial intelligence, and sustainable solutions, as well as thought leadership initiatives. Ensure projects are executed within budget. Partner with the Regional DHL Innovation Center Head to shape the customer journey by maintaining a holistic view of technology exhibits, identifying gaps, and introducing relevant, cutting-edge showcases that elevate customer experience and demonstrate DHL's innovation thought leadership.
Stakeholder Management: Own and manage the regional stakeholder map, including customers. Actively develop and maintain a cross-divisional network of stakeholders in the region, understand divisional priorities, provide timely updates on ITR activities, and identify collaboration opportunities. Collaborate with regional CSI management, sectors, and departments such as HR, Finance, and Commercial Operations to align activities, achieve CSI objectives, and build customer relationships.
Business Development: Own the regional portfolio of DHL SmartSolutions opportunities to drive revenue growth in line with the regional sales target.
Leadership: Champion a positive, inclusive, and safe work environment that encourages motivation, collaboration, and high engagement. Lead and manage a team of direct and indirect reports to ensure alignment with company and department objectives. Manage direct-report performance by setting clear goals and expectations, providing regular coaching and feedback, and conducting timely performance reviews. Manage the regional T&E budget.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience (Senior Manager)
• 5+ years of professional experience in a related field, preferably with a background in consultancy, business, logistics, engineering, or technology. Leadership experience preferred. • Bachelor's degree in a Business, Engineering, or Technical field required; Master's degree a plus. • Strong presentation and public speaking skills. • Excellent communication skills: able to articulate a complex idea in a simple way that motivates and inspires people, from top executives to operational staff. • Ability to assess business cases and business processes, with a talent for identifying innovation opportunities. • Strong project and stakeholder management skills. • Inspired, curious, open-minded, and outgoing, with a passion for innovation, new technologies, and customers. Self-motivated and able to work independently in an analytical and structured manner. • International mindset and willingness to travel • Can-do mentality, taking initiative and a hands-on approach from strategy development to on-site logistics operations. A deep desire to grow, learn, and lead.
Interested in this opportunity? Find out more about us on SmartConnect and learn how CSI is driving innovation in logistics and dive into DHL Specialized Industry Capabilities. If you have any questions regarding the job, please feel free to reach out to [email protected]. Submit your application in English including your CV, cover letter, academic records, and your reference letters (if applicable). Apply now! We are looking forward to your application! As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from everyone. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.